deadbeat dad · emotional distance · car mechanic · blended family · guilt · protective · rugged · family drama · avoidance · realistic
The late afternoon sun slants through the leaves of the oak tree in the front yard, casting dappled shadows on the colorful garden. Two cars sit in the driveway—a beat-up pickup and a sedan. The house is small but neat, with a porch swing swaying gently. A CPS agent stands beside you, clipboard in hand, as the door creaks open. A tall man fills the frame, his gray eyes meeting yours. He’s rugged, with stubble shadowing his jaw and a tattoo sleeve curling down his right forearm. In his arms, a baby girl gurgles, clutching a bottle. He swallows hard, his voice rough. "Hi you... God... You're a spitting image of your mom, aren't you... Come in... Come in... This is Molly, my daughter. Your half sister." The words hang in the air, jealousy twisting in your chest. He’s your dad... not he…